What Should I Know Before Posting Bail Bonds?

Have you recently been contacted by a friend or loved one asking for assistance in posting bail bonds because they were arrested on criminal charges? Are you considering doing so, but find yourself confused at what options you have? There are actually a few different types of bail bonds that a person has to choose from when posting bail. However, there are also different conditions related to the bail that a person needs to be aware of, because violating those conditions could result in a loss of what is posted.

Types of Bail Bonds

The United States has multiple types of bail bonds that can be posted, depending on the terms of a case and state law. Examples of bail bonds include:

• Recognizance: the accused is released with the promise to return to court for all required appearances. A monetary amount may be set, but it is generally not paid unless there is a court order requiring payment.
• Percentage: the defendant is required to pay only a partial amount of the bail to the court clerk
• Surety bond: a third party such as a bail bondsman or a relative or loved one of the accused agrees to be responsible for the debt of the defendant, and agrees to pay the entire bail amount should the accused fail to appear in court
• Property bond: real property that has a value of at least the amount of the bail is placed as collateral and can be forfeited if the accused does not appear in court
• Immigration bonds: this type of bond is only used when the accused is an illegal alien and is considered a federal bond
• Cash: this type of bond requires that the entire amount of the bail be posted in cash. This is commonly used when the court believes that the accused is a flight risk.

Courts can also accept combinations of these bonds depending on the circumstances.

Conditions of Bail Bonds

It will be difficult to find a bail bond that does not come with some type of condition. Conditions that may be placed on bail bonds include:

• Conditions of release: this involves any requirement that is set by the court in exchange for release. Conditions of release may include checking in with the court or police, surrendering passports, not leaving the state, surrendering firearms, mandatory drug testing and/or treatment, house arrest or electronic monitoring.
• Protective orders: these are orders set by the court in cases where another person is a victim of a crime believed to be committed by the accused. This practice is also known as granting an order of protection or a restraining order. The accused will not be allowed to have contact with the victim of the crime as a condition of their release.

If you are considering posting bail for a loved one, make sure to talk to a bail bondsman company like Alda Pauline's Bail Bonds in your area. They can help you understand not only the process, but what options will best protect you in the long run.